The 2021 Kia Telluride Knocked Off Some Tough Competitors to Win a Respected Award
Jason Crosby
· 2 min read
If you hadn’t noticed,
Kia
has been making some significant strides with one of their most popular models: the Telluride. This three-row SUV has quickly endeared itself with owners, and its engineering and overall value have won the critics at Consumer Reports over. So much, that the Telluride won the non-profit publication’s midsize SUV of the year award. On the surface, this achievement might not sound like it’s not a big deal. But consider other, better-known vehicles in the same class: the Toyota Highlander, the Ford Explorer, or the Honda Pilot. So despite being a relatively new addition to the highly competitive SUV market, Kia has certainly seemed to have made a name for itself with the 2021 Telluride.
The Kia Telluride—Consumer Reports 2021 ‘Midsize SUV of the Year’
As one of the automotive industry’s most trusted names,
Consumer Reports’
Car of The Year awards are coveted prizes—but these awards also let consumers know which models will give them the best bang for their buck. For 2021, the competition was stiff. Automakers are in a frenzy to make up for lost sales that occurred during the Coronavirus pandemic that put a damper on the automotive industry for over a year.
Kia’s Telluride model was one of the winners. As a sleek, fuel-efficient SUV, the Telluride strikes a balance between utility and its’ classy exterior. Some features that influenced Consumer Reports decision include:
- Roomy interior, and a cabin design that allows the driver to see clearly in multiple directions
- Intuitive cabin controls and comfortable seating
- A powerful V-6 motor that’s surprisingly quiet
- Balanced handling, and a supple suspension system
- Affordable price range
When the features are laid out, it makes a lot of sense why the Telluride might be Consumer Reports’ favorite model. But what about the competition?
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Kia Telluride vs. the competition
When compared with SUVs from competitors, The Kia Telluride seems like the underdog. Keep in mind though, this is the second year that this vehicle has won the midsize SUV of the year award from Consumer Reports.
Even popular and well-known models in the same class, like the
Ford Explorer
, Toyota Highlander, or even the Subaru Ascent couldn’t seal the deal. In the end, the Telluride just has a superior balance of fuel-efficiency in relation to its feature-loaded interior. What next year holds in store for Consumer Reports’ Best Cars of The Year awards is uncertain; but maybe, Kia will find a way to hold on to its’ title as king of the midsize SUVs.
